Horner Wood ancient trees walk

Starting in the pretty Exmoor village of Luccombe, this short but rewarding circuit heads into the wooded combes on the northern flank of Dunkery Hill. The route climbs steadily through Sideway Wood, where the ancient oaks that Horner Wood is famous for begin to appear, gnarled and moss-draped beneath a canopy that filters the light onto the path.

The walk swings around towards Cloutsham Ball, a knoll offering glimpses across the surrounding Exmoor landscape, before descending into the East Water Valley. Here a small stream chatters through the trees and the woodland feels wonderfully secluded. The return leg back to Luccombe closes the loop in under an hour, though most walkers will want to linger.

Close by, features such as East Water, Red Girt, Hollow Combe, Easter Hill and Parsons Wood invite further exploration if you have time to extend the day. Despite its modest length, the walk packs in a good deal of ascent and atmosphere, making it an excellent introduction to one of Exmoor's most celebrated stretches of ancient woodland.